Andrews Brothers 02 - The Rescue by Felicia Rogers Read Free Book Online

she whispered calming words.
    The equine stopped his agitated movements. The saddle was heavy and slipped from her fingers onto the ground. With a grunt she heaved the contraption onto the horse’s back and hoped the stallion wouldn’t kick her.
    He seemed fine with the instrument upon his backside and waited patiently as she strapped it in place.
    She dusted her hands. “That seems to have us ready. Now,” she tapped a finger to her chin, “how do we get out of here unseen?”
    No back door appeared available and moving past the stable hands seemed racked with folly.
    A bell rang and the horse reared his head. Over and over the clanging rent the air. Outside there were whoops of delight.
    “Blimey! There’s the sound I like to hear. Finally get to go inside, warm up by the fire, and eat some of Josie’s victuals. Never met a better cook. Wonder how that woman stayed single so long.”
    A sleepy yawn echoed. “Probably because the woman is ugly. I ain’t never seen one as ugly as her.”
    “Naw, that can’t be it. A man can look past all of that if the food is right. And the food is right in that kitchen.”
    The argument drifted away as the men strolled toward the house. Farrah released a breath. She tugged on the reins as she moved closer to the door and peeked outside. The coast was clear and she was ready to make a break for it.
    ****
    Andrew rose from bed. Feet planted on the cold floor, he closed his eyes and inhaled the smell of burning wood. Andrew padded to the closed window. Thick draperies kept the winter weather from seeping into the room.
    A plethora of throws and blankets lined the back of a rocking chair, and he grabbed one and threw it over his shoulders. The fire’s warmth drew him. He plopped onto the plush sofa and wiggled his toes in a plush Turkish carpet.
    Andrew stroked the carved handle of the sofa. Nothing about the room seemed familiar. No portraits of him decorated the walls. Fear that he was in a dream assaulted him.
    The door swung open, admitting Kingsley carrying a tray. “My lord, you’ve arisen.”
    “Yes.”
    “I had the staff prepare you a tray so you could eat in bed. We must continue to assist in your recovery process.” Kingsley settled the tray over his lap.
    “Thank you.”
    “Of course, my lord. May I bring you anything else? The newspaper perhaps.”
    Andrew shook his head. “This is plenty.”
    “Very well. If you need anything just pull the rope. We’ve assigned George as your valet. He is well versed in the ways of the house, and—”
    “I prefer you, Kingsley.”
    “Yes, but I have many other duties that I must—”
    “I promise not to interfere with your other duties.” He lowered his head and examined the food before him. Fresh buttered bread, eggs, a slice of ham, and a cup of warm milk. He swallowed and hoped Kingsley would not deny him. How could he possibly work with another when everything seemed so unfamiliar?
    “As you wish, my lord.”
    He lifted his head and grinned. “Thank you, Kingsley. I promise not to be a bother.”
    The butler bowed and left. Andrew consumed most of the meal and set the remains aside. The Flannigan wedding was scheduled for later that afternoon which gave him limited time to explore the grounds of his own estate and familiarize himself. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass his mother or the Ravenlowe family.
    Instead of calling for Kingsley, he dressed himself. A look in the mirror revealed his folly. The cravat rested askew and the shirt’s buttons were out of line. Sighing, he tried again. Presentable, he exited his room and descended the stairs.
    Staff members paused in their activities and bowed their heads as he passed. Heat flushed his face at the attention. He didn’t halt his forward movement until he reached the stables.
    “May I help you, my lord?”
    “Yes. I would like a nice, stable mount.”
    “Very well, my lord.”
    The stable hand attached the saddle and Andrew climbed astride. He hoped to